Dharamshala
Travel Guide
Dharamsala
popularly known as the Scotland of India, is one of the 80 hill stations
established by the British between 1815 and 1847 and has one of the most
spectacular settings for a hill station is closest to the perennial
snowline and is built along a spur of the Dhaula Dhar range. The town
varies in height from 1250 meters at the bazaar to 1768 metres at
McLeodganj. Dharamsala is surrounded by deodar forests and provides a
superb view of the great granite mountains that almost over chang the town
About 10 kms. away from Dharamsala is McLeodganj which has a
strong Tibetan influence. Monks in deep red are a common sight in this
town and it is the headquarters of the Dalai Lama. The Dalai Lama settled
here after his flight across the Himalayas following the Chinese invasion
of Tibet in oct. 1959 The Tibetan community has tended to take over the
hospitality business and provide cheap and clean hotels and small friendly
restaurants, The following words might help you in having an exchange in
Tibetan
Tasgu dekej (hello,good luck)
Thukje-chey (Thank
you)
Thukhe-sik a (please)
Gong-thag(sorry)
Ssoo-den (Good
- bye)
Jaa (Go)
The
Namgyal
Monastery with the Centre of Tibetan Studies, is known as little
Lhasa and is a major attraction in McLeodganj This cathedral opposite
the DakauLama's residence, resembles the center of the one in Lhasa and is
a 5minute walk from the main bazaar. It contains large gilded bronzes of
Buddha, Avalokitesvara and Padmasam-bhava.Dalai Lamas often leads the
prayers when he is in residence and if you sign up at the secutity office
an audience with him is possible. The othert major attraction is the Church
of St. John in -the wilderness which has attractive stained glass
windows. Lord Elgin, one of the few viceroys of British occupied India, to
die in office, is buried here, according to his last wish, as it reminded
him of his beloved native Scotland. The Nechung Mmonastery in
Lgangchen Kyishobn has Tibetan libnrary lwith a good rang of books,
magazines & photo-copying facilities and a museum.The central Tibetan
Administration Offices are located here and you can also attend lectures &
classes on Tibetan culture and Buddhism.
Walks : From
McLeodganj there are a number of interesting walks like the 2 km stroll to
Bhagsunag which has a spring and a temple or to Dharamkot,
3 kms., has very fine views. If you feel energetic enough, you can
continue on towards the snow line. 10 kms. From the McLeodganj bus stand
is Dal Lake, the site of an annual fair held in September. It is a
pleasant walk to the lake. At the foot of the dhaula Dhar is Triund
which is an 8 km trek. A further 5 kms. is the snowline where a Forest
Rest House is situated. At an altiude of 1983 metres is Kareri, a
picturesque spot where a rest house is located in the cool depths of a
pine grove. The beautiful Kareri Lake., further away from this spot is set
amidst green meadows and forests of tall oak and pine . Special
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